The Baker Institute's Coronavirus Response

“As our civilization approaches a turning point it is our collective responsibility to take on the momentous challenge of Covid-19 by guiding our leaders toward wisdom and resilience. Only then will we turn a crisis into an opportunity and emerge a stronger family of nations.”

— Amb. Edward P. DjerejianDirector, Rice University's Baker Institute

The Baker Institute is working closely with Rice University to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on our community. The health and safety of our guests and staff remain our top priority. All gatherings at Baker Hall through August 1 have been canceled, and fellows, scholars, researchers and administrative staff members are working remotely. Please refer to the Rice University Crisis Management information page for more details and updates. In addition, a director's message from Ambassador Djerejian is available here.

We hope to see you at the Baker Institute when it is safe to resume our activities. Thank you for your continued support.

Related Research and Events

The Baker Institute continues to analyze and address critical policy issues during this unprecedented time of global uncertainty. With a deep bench of experts in areas such as energy, health policy, science & technology, and economics, we are well-positioned to provide pragmatic, fact-based research that informs policymakers and the public alike. Follow the links below to learn more.

Webinars

Each week, experts at the Baker Institute are offering free webinars to share their insights and knowledge on issues ranging from the pandemic's turbulent effects in Latin America to its implications for the 2020 U.S. elections. In addition, the Center for Energy Studies is producing a special series of weekly webinars on rapidly changing developments in the energy sector.

For a full list of all scheduled webinars to date, please see our events page.

A journalist from PBS NewsHour and experts from refugee and food-security NGOs describe on-the-ground conditions as Covid-19 spreads across Venezuela and Greece. The program is moderated by Kelsey Norman, director of the Women's Rights, Human Rights and Refugees Program at the Baker Institute.

Trade experts from the U.S., Mexico and Canada discuss the future of the North American supply chain during an event moderated by Tony Payan, the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies at the Baker Institute.

Publications

Baker Institute experts are producing a steady stream of reports and blogs in response to the current crisis. Recent publications include a look at the types of businesses likely to survive in a post-Covid-19 global economy, and the virus' disproportionate impact on black Americans.

Visit the Baker Institute research library and blog for our coronavirus-related work, and much more.

How does a society balance the need for social restrictions and precautions, in order to save as many lives as possible, against the risk of long-term or permanent damage to the economy? Hagop Kantarjian, M.D., a nonresident fellow in health policy, examines the dilemma.

As oil prices begin to recover and there are signs of a realignment in demand and supply, experts are cautiously beginning to ask whether we've turned a corner. Maybe — but maybe not, writes energy fellow Mark Finley.

In the News

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the institute continues to lend a strong voice in local, national and international media outlets to help understand the numerous impacts and policy challenges stemming from the pandemic. Our fellows and scholars have shared their expertise in hundreds of print, television and online stories. Check out our “Experts in the News” page for links to some of their interviews or follow us on Twitter for real-time updates.

Support the Baker Institute

Baker Institute experts are defining and addressing the critical issues challenging our health, economy and society and are providing data-driven policy solutions to assist in our recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. Your generous support helps us continue our valuable work.